Producer Craig Silvey with engineer Daniel Lynn @Archer Records' Music + Arts Studio
Craig Silvey producing
from Archer Records: Posted July 22, 2010
Principal recording for a new Amy LaVere studio record has just been completed at Archer Records' Music + Arts Studio in Memphis. U.K.-based producer/engineer Craig Silvey (Arcade Fire, Portishead, Nine Inch Nails) added his magical touch to the sessions which lasted two weeks.
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Memphis Release Party at the Levitt Shell June 13
from Archer Records: Posted May 9, 2010
Archer Records is excited to announce the upcoming release of Sid Selvidge's 8th solo effort, and his 3rd for the Memphis label. The album, I Should Be Blue, will feature never-before-heard Sid originals, as well as a number of duets with rising Nashville-by-way-of-New York City vocalist and recording artist, Amy Speace (Killer In Me, Wildflower Records). I Should Be Blue will be distributed nationally by RED (Sony), and will be available June 8.
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Posted March 1, 2010
Archer Records is excited to have commissioned the creation of a new piece of gear for its Music + Arts studio, the first ever AT-101 compressor built for use in the United States. The AT-101 is a new product from British makers Analogue Tube, and was only recently unveiled at AES in San Francisco. Shortly thereafter, we had the opportunity to demo a unit during the recording of the forthcoming Sid Selvidge record, and immediately afterward we began working with Analogue Tube owner, designer, and equipment builder Simon Saywood on the creation of an AT-101 for our studio.
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Savage County music director Jason Freeman
Posted February 10, 2010
This week, Archer's Music + Arts studio once again has the privilege of working on a film project with MTV New Media's David Harris. After M+A performed sound design, mixing and ADR for 2009's music-centric ode to midtown Memphis, $5 Cover, co-producer Harris was excited about the possibility of come back to the Bluff City to work on a new project. Late last summer, he was able to return for the filming of Savage County, a tale of Texas teenagers whose prank-gone-wrong inspires the murderous vengeance of a rural clan of crazed hillbillies. Now, with Memphis artist Jason Freeman (Bluff City Backsliders) serving as music director for the project, M+A will spend the next week recording and mixing music to picture.
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Amy Speace and Sid Selvidge take a break from recording to share a laugh with producer Don Dixon
Don Dixon Set to Produce
from Archer Records: Posted January 18, 2010
2010 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Archer Records, and we can finally begin sharing some of the good news. We are pleased to announce that renowned Memphis bluesman Sid Selvidge is slated to enter our Music + Arts studio this month to begin work on his forthcoming LP. The yet-to-be-titled project will be Selvidge's third album with Archer Records, and will mark the eighth of a storied solo career.
Selvidge has a wealth of new material that he will draw from, and figures to have a few familiar faces along for the ride, as well as a couple surprises thrown into the mix. Among the musicians joining him will be his son and Amy LaVere guitarist, Steve Selvidge, along with friend and LaVere drummer Paul Taylor. Up-and-coming Nashville based folk singer Amy Speace will also perform a number of duets with Selvidge, including an unreleased original tune of hers, "Two."
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Posted December 29, 2009
Archer Records recording artist Michael Jefry Stevens recently was awarded the prestigious title of "Steinway Artist" from Steinway & Sons. Stevens will join a select group of current and past artists to be so recognized by the world famous piano maker. As an official Steinway Artist, Stevens will gain numerous professional benefits, including the provision of a Steinway piano for each concert he performs.
Selected artists come from diverse genres, including pop, jazz, classical and beyond. Many of the world's most recognizable living musicians have been honored with the Steinway Artist moniker, including Billy Joel, Diana Krall, Ahmad Jamal, Allen Toussaint, Keith Jarrett, Bruce Hornsby, John Medeski, and Harry Connick, Jr., as well as past masters such as Irving Berlin, Cy Coleman, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, and Cole Porter.
We congratulate Michael on his achievement and look forward to putting his Steinway credentials to use in 2010. Be sure to check back soon, as additional international dates will be announced. For more information on Michael and his many musical projects, visit his official website.
Amy LaVere records with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in New Orleans
from Sony RED Entertainment: Posted November 12, 2009
Amy LaVere will be among the 20 specially selected artists that will appear on a new recording from New Orleans' famed Preservation Hall Jazz Band. Recorded earlier this year at the legendary Preservation Hall (where else?), the album is a charity venture in collaboration with the Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program. The project includes familiar names like Dr. John, Tom Waits, Pete Seeger, Steve Earle, and Del McCroury, but also features a number of younger artists like LaVere, Andrew Bird, Jim James, Brandi Carlile, and Jason Isbell.
Keep reading below for more details from the Sony RED press release.
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Posted October 23, 2009
This week Archer Records gave a US release to Flutter and Wow, the label debut from songwriter and master of keyed instruments, Charlie Wood. The 12 track LP features 7 brand new originals from the undisputed king of soulful Memphis B-3. More than just a great piano and organ player though, Flutter and Wow showcases Wood's ability to craft lyrical material that proves instantly timeless, as well as his uncanny knack for creating stirring new arrangements for tunes from classic 20th century songsmiths like Paul Simon, Leonard Cohen, Elvis Costello, and more.
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from Archer Records: Posted September 21, 2009
New doors always seem to be opening for Lily Afshar. Last year saw the famed Persian classical guitarist expand her international instruction and performances to a number of new territories around the world. Among her various points of destination were Mexico (where she participated in a Latin guitar festival), Turkey (where she spent time teaching and performing), The Netherlands (where she gave concerts in Amsterdam and The Hague), and her native Iran (for master classes and performances). Everywhere she goes, her unique performance style and musical repertoire are met with a warm reception and critical acclaim.
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from Archer Records: Posted September 15, 2009
After a few summer months of well deserved rest from her usual never-ending tour schedule, Amy LaVere is preparing for another few months on the road this fall. This time her travels will take her across the United States and into Canada during October with local rocker pals Lucero on what's being dubbed the Ramblin' Roadshow & Memphis Review. Immediately thereafter she will head to the UK, where she will perform again with Seasick Steve for a couple weeks before heading to the continent for a few yet to be announced dates. Keep reading for a list of tour dates and check Amy's Myspace for updates and more information.
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Michael Jefry Stevens and Joyce Cobb work out material during preproduction
Posted August 24, 2009
Jazz vocalist extraordinaire Joyce Cobb and Memphis by way of NYC pianist Michael Jefry Stevens recently wrapped up recording for a tandem project that will be released by Archer Records in the United States and Europe in 2010. The collaboration between Cobb and Stevens is a first, though the two are certainly kindred spirits and no stranger to the others' work. Stevens, who regularly tours Europe was thrilled about the opportunity to work with Cobb, and is sure that the collaboration will be fruitful. "I have played regularly in Europe for years, and cannot wait for the audiences to hear this material with Joyce - she is going to blow them away!"
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Posted July 17, 2009
We at Music + Arts studio are proud to announce that, in conjunction with The Recording Academy, we are helping to bring Denny Tedesco's brilliant documentary The Wrecking Crew to Studio on the Square for a one-time screening on Wednesday, July 29. The film captures the legendary LA studio musicians in their element, where they played on countless hits for The Beach Boys, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, The Mamas and the Papas, as well as serving as Phil Spector's infamous Wall of Sound, among others. At a time when most recording only took place in Detroit, New York, or London, the Wrecking Crew were the first group to make serious recording on the west coast a reality.
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Posted June 5, 2009
Music+Arts has been busy this past year mixing a number of notable film projects, including the recent MTV-aired hit Memphis music series, $5 Cover. In addition, our studio has done sound mixing for two feature length independent films, the multi-award-winning Gospel Hill and the just completed Memphis location film N-Secure. Though $5 Cover may have gotten the bulk of the early publicity, it's the latter two that are in the spotlight this week.
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from Mojo Magazine: Posted May 27, 2009
After its recent release in the UK, Charlie Wood's "Flutter and Wow" is picking up some serious plaudits. After receiving positive reviews from Blues in Britain and the Irish Times, Charlie's album is featured in the forthcoming edition (July 2009) of the famed UK music magazine Mojo. The album received all 4 stars, and is already selling in stores across the UK, with distribution to more of Europe to follow.
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from Archer Records: Posted May 19, 2009
Archer Records is proud to announce that the label debut from Charlie Wood, "Flutter and Wow", is available this week across the United Kingdom. Thanks to a partnership with Proper Distribution, the album will be available in major physical retailers across the UK, as well as via online outlets like Amazon.co.uk and Play.com (UK). The record will also soon be available worldwide from a multitude of digital retailers, with physical distribution to a variety of European territories planned for the coming months through Proper.
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Posted April 30, 2009
Tonight is the night! Memphis will get its very own premier of Craig Brewer's reality-based Memphis music series $5 Cover. There will be 4 show times beginning at 7 pm, all at the Paradiso Theater located at Poplar and Mendenhall. Tickets are still available from will call office at the Paradiso this afternoon.
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Posted April 24, 2009
After beginning with performances in NYC at Joe's Pub and on Late Night with Conan O'Brien this past February, Amy's tour took her for a run of concerts down the east coast. One of the stops along the way was for a particularly lively show at the Cultural Center Theater in Charleston, WV. Fortunately for those who could not attend, the performance was recorded for Mountain Stage, a WV public broadcast group. The performance contains old favorites as well as a few of the songs from her new Died of Love EP.
Now, this weekend, you can tune in to your local radio affiliate and hear the performance in its entirety. If it is not broadcast in your local area this weekend, don't despair. The performance will be archived on the NPR site as of next Wednesday (April 29).
from Archer Records: Posted Tuesday, April 14, 2009
This Sunday night Archer Records will have two of its artists playing in town, conveniently located right across the street from each other. First, Amy LaVere will headline a benefit for True Story Pictures at Minglewood Hall called "Songs and Stories." The evening will be full of special guests, including Alvin Youngblood Hart, Jim Dickinson, Sid Selvidge, Steve Selvidge, Paul Taylor, and Jimmy Crosthwait. Tickets are on sale from the Minglewood Hall website.
Immediately thereafter, Dave Cousar will be part of a co-bill with Star and Micey taking place across the street at the P&H Cafe. The show is slated to start around 10:30, so even if you can't make it to the benefit you can still catch a couple of great acts. There's no cover, so come out and enjoy a Sunday evening musical stimulus package.
from Archer Records: Posted March 24, 2009
The latest recording from Amy LaVere, the "Died of Love" EP, is now available for order from Archer Records. It showcases Amy's mesmerizing vocals weaving throughout a series of 5 lovelorn tales. Recorded with her touring band, the stripped down arrangements sizzle with a fresh energy and edge from LaVere and co. From the woozy, other-worldly "Green Grass" to the thundering rock of "Washing Machine (Reloaded)" and driving "If Love Was A Train," the album reveals an artist in LaVere who is relentlessly daring and infinitely intriguing.
The album is available now from the Archer Records webstore, through most digital outlets, and at all upcoming tour dates.
from Archer Records: Posted February 26, 2009
SXSW is less than a month away and a number of Memphis music acts are preparing to hit Austin for the music showcase portion of the conference. Among them are Archer artists Amy LaVere and David Cousar, who will both play a number of day parties as well as be part of official showcases. Visit each of their tour date pages for specific times and locations.
from Archer Records: Posted February 20, 2009
Archer Records is happy to announce the UK release date for "Flutter and Wow," the label debut from organ ace and maestro of song Charlie Wood. His album will be available in stores Monday, May 18, initially overseas. Proper Distribution will provide service to the UK, N. Ireland, and other select European markets. The album will also be available digitally around the globe in the coming months.
Check back soon for more information on the release.
from Archer Records: Posted January 29, 2009
Amy LaVere will be the musical guest on Late Night with Conan O'Brien this coming Monday night (Feb. 2). This will mark Amy's late night debut here in the US, having just played in the UK on Later...with Jools Holland a few months ago. Also scheduled to appear on the show are media personality Kathy Griffin and Food Network star Paula Dean. The show will air on NBC beginning at 11:30 pm (CST) this Monday, so be sure to tune in or set your DVR.
If you live in Memphis, come up to the Hi Tone to watch with us!
from Archer Records: Posted January 9, 2009
by John Miller
Archer Records' Music + Arts Studio has begun work on the audio mixing for Craig Brewer's latest project, "$5 Cover." The MTV-backed program finished filming last year and features Memphis musicians, actors, venues, and various assorted characters in a world rooted in the trials and triumphs of the artists themselves. Renowned producer and engineer Kevin Houston has been busy working on the project, which is the latest in a series of successful collaborations between Brewer and Music Director Scott Bomar.
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from Archer Records: Posted December 22, 2008
The holiday season has arrived and to help everyone celebrate Amy LaVere will be part of a star-studded evening at The Orpheum Theater counting down to 2009. The "Bluff City Ball" will certainly be a New Year's Eve extravaganza to remember with some of the best of Memphis on the bill. Joining Amy onstage will be the legendary Jim Dickinson, Memphis alt-rockers Lucero, and the Dickinson brothers' own North Mississippi Allstars.
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Dave Cousar (left) discusses a song with Steve Selvidge during recording for the forthcoming record
from Archer Records: Posted November 21, 2008
Archer Records is happy to announce the signing of Memphis songwriter/guitarist David Cousar to the label. Not one to waste time, Cousar is already in Archer's Music+Arts studio working on his label debut. Local ace Jeff Powell is producing the record that will include Harry Peel on drums, Sam Shoup on bass, Steve Selvidge on guitar, with special appearances from Amy LaVere, Paul Taylor, Susan Marshall and more! The album is scheduled for release this coming spring so stay tuned for more information in the coming months.
Airs the Week of Oct. 20
from Art of the Song: Posted October 15, 2008
Sid Selvidge will be the featured guest on the nationally syndicated Art of the Song for the week of October 20. The program, created and hosted by John Dillon and Vivian Nesbit, takes time to explore inspiration and creativity through songwriting and other art forms. The feature will cover Sid's experiences in Memphis, with Furry Lewis, and Mudboy and the Neutrons, among a number of other things.
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Al Gamble records to picture of "Gospel Hill" soundtrack, produced by Scott Bomar (pictured behind the console)
from Music+Arts Studio: Posted October 13, 2008
A few months ago Music+Arts had the distinct pleasure of working again with another of our favorite arranger/producers in Scott Bomar (Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan) on a film project entitled "Gospel Hill." The score was written by Scott, and along with a number of tunes such as "Cotton King" and even Amy LaVere's "Cupid's Arrow" were mixed here in 5.1 surround in early June. The film had already screened at a few film festivals around the country before last night's local debut at Indie Memphis.
The film received an overwhelmingly positive response from the completely sold out crowd. Afterwards, in a ceremony at Ground Zero Blues Club, the film was recognized as the Southern Soul of Independent Film Award winner. For a complete list of Indie Memphis winners from last night click here. If you happened to miss it, you can catch an encore presentation on Wednesday, October 15 at 6:30 pm at Studio on the Square in midtown.
Greenville Honors Its Own honorees Jack Jackson (left) and Sid Selvidge (center) congratulate one another following the award ceremony. Award presenter Mal Kretschmar is at right. (Delta Democrat Times photo by Bill Johnson)
from Delta Democrat Times: Posted October 13, 2008
Sid Selvidge was among recent award recipients at the 2008 Greenville Honors Its Own Gala, receiving commendation for the outstanding musical achievements over his storied career. Held at the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center, the awards ceremony celebrated the efforts of Greenville-born artists, instructors, and supporters. During his speech, award presenter Mal Kretschmar singled Selvidge out for special recognition, even calling him "Greenville's ambassador at-large."
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from Archer Records: Posted October 1, 2008
Amy LaVere will kick off her fall UK tour at London's world famous Royal Albert Hall. Her tour will take her through England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland and will include tour dates with Seasick Steve, Johnny Flynn, and My Morning Jacket. In addition to all of her tour dates, she will also make an appearance on Later...with Jools Holland on Oct. 7 along with The Hold Steady, Coldplay, Glen Campbell and Sia. For more information visit Amy's tour page or myspace page.
from Archer Records: Posted September 24, 2008
Classical guitarist Lily Afshar has a new DVD now available entitled "Virtuoso Guitar." The DVD offers performances of a variety of many rarely heard tunes, including Turkish and Persian folk songs as well as numbers from Castelnuovo-Tedesco's classic masterpiece 24 Caprichos de Goya, Op. 195. In addition to a childhood to present photo gallery, Afshar also gives an interview in which she talks about her life and musical journey. This DVD is a rare addition to any musical collection, beneficial to students, professionals and music lovers the world over. Click here to read more or order your copy.
from Archer Records: Posted September 5, 2008
Archer Records is pleased to announce the recent signing of Charlie Wood. A prolific songwriter and virtuoso organ and key player with a smoky-sweet vocal timbre, Charlie made his name by touring the world with his distinctive style. Early on he honed that sound cutting his chops as part of the legendary Albert King's band, and has since played alongside such diverse artists as B.B. King, George Coleman, Rufus Thomas, Alvin Batiste, and Robert Plant. As a result, Charlie's music resonates with audiences the world over; this past summer he answered invitations to play at festivals in Italy, Spain, and Ireland, and has plans to return to Wales soon as well.
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Director Craig Leake with engineer Kevin Houston
Set to Air on ABC Friday, Aug. 22
Posted August 15, 2008
Music+Arts studio is pleased to announce the completion of sound mixing for Babyland, the most recent project from filmmakers Craig Leake and David Appleby. Mixed by Leake and engineer/producer Kevin Houston, footage from the documentary will be televised on ABC on Friday, August 22 at 9 p.m., in a segment with anchor Elizabeth Vargas titled "A Special Edition of 20/20: Babyland."
(LtoR)Producer/engineer Hal Sacks with saxophone great Kirk Whalum.
from Archer Records: Posted August 14, 2008
World renowned saxophonist Kirk Whalum recently mixed tracks for his new CD/DVD release "The Gospel According to Jazz, Chapter III" at Music + Arts Studio in Memphis.
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European tour includes October date at London's
Royal Albert Hall
from Archer Records: Posted August 1, 2008
Archer Records is proud to announce that Amy LaVere is now being booked domestically and abroad by two top independent groups: The Billions Corporation and The Helter Skelter Agency. Billions agent Mary Brabec will handle booking for Amy in the U.S. while Nigel Hassler of Helter Skelter will be responsible for bookings in Europe and abroad. Helter Skelter will be responsible for Amy's upcoming October tour that will center around a performance at the legendary Royal Albert Hall in London.
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from Archer Records: Posted July 11, 2008
by John Miller
Amy LaVere packed her bags and headed across the pond to the UK this week for a tour in support of the UK release of "Anchors and Anvils." She performed last night at London's Green Note in the Camden district and will be at the Anglesey Arms in Wales tonight before heading north for a show at The Band Room in York tomorrow. She'll then return to London to wrap things up with a 3 night stand at the 12 Bar in Soho. The response thus far has been fantastic, with the papers saying some very nice things indeed. For more information on her tour visit Amy's Myspace page.
from Commercial Appeal: Posted July 10, 2008
by John Beifuss
Local movie-maker Craig Brewer says he has joined with MTV to create a "groundbreaking episodic serial" set in Memphis and cast entirely with Memphis musicians and actors "as they fight for love, inspiration and the money to pay the rent."
Shooting begins July 18 on "$5 Cover," a 15-episode -- or "webisode" -- online program funded by MTV that will be made available to viewers later this year via personal computers, cell phones, iPods and other digital devices that offer an alternative to watching films on TV or in movie theaters.
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from Archer Records: Posted June 30, 2008
World-renowned classical guitarist Lily Afshar is visiting Iran for a series of concert performances and master classes. The Persian guitarist has established herself as an important link between eastern and western musical styles. Beginning July 3 and ending August 7, 2008, Lily will give concert performances in Tehran at the Niavaran Cultural Foundation, Barbod Music Institute, Vahdat Hall, and in Shiraz at Hafez Hall. During that time she will also instruct master classes for guitar students, both in Tehran (at the Barbod Music Institute) as well as in Shiraz.
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from Archer Records: Posted June 17, 2008
Archer Records proudly announces its partnership with Proper Distribution for international distribution to the UK and greater Europe. Proper, the largest independent distributor in the UK, is headquartered in London, and recently received a nomination for best UK distributor along with such other notables as Universal, EMI, Pinnacle and Vital. Among the recording artists Proper distributes are: Alison Krauss, The Band, The Avett Brothers, Guy Clark, Patty Griffin, Willie Nelson, Miles Davis, Ollabelle, Ricky Scaggs, Dr. Lonnie Smith and many more.
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Posted April 29, 2008
Amy LaVere continues to break new ground in 2008 as she announces her first international festival appearance. Amy will perform at Down On The Farm, an alternative roots/rock festival in Gribsrød Gård, Halden, close to the Swedish and Norwegian border. Originally founded in 1988, the 2 day event has hosted such acts as Emmylou Harris, John Prine, Son Volt, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, The Jayhawks, 16 Horsepower, Old 97s, and many others.
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Posted April 23, 2008
Amy LaVere has recorded a series of songs that are set to be released in an internet video format by the world famous Sun Studios. Sun, which recently launched its new online forum with a session by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, recorded Amy and her touring band at the downtown Memphis studio at the beginning of April. The first track, "That Beat," is available now from Sun Studios. Check back soon for the full sessions.
More New Tour Dates Announced
Posted April 9, 2008
Amy LaVere will perform at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival held June 12-15 in Manchester, TN. This year the festival has added a new stage format to create a more intimate experience for concert-goers. The Cafe acts will perform at two locations, the Troo Music Lounge and the Blue Room Café. Festival tickets are still available for purchase here.
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from Mix Magazine: Posted April 1, 2008
by Matt Gallagher
Independent record label Archer Records, based in Memphis, Tenn. and owned by Ward Archer, has moved its studio and label operations into a 100-year-old limestone building in an historic part of Memphis. Archer's new facility, Music+Arts Recording and Mixing, now occupies the space that was formerly home to Sounds Unreel recording studio, following Archer Record's 2007 purchase of Sounds Unreel, which had opened in 1981.
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